Birch Leaf Extract

Birch leaf extract is an extract derived from the plant Betula alba (common name white birch). It can have antioxidant properties, but can also have astringent properties, which makes it a potential sensitizer for skin if it is one of the main ingredients in a product. The egg-shaped or triangular, usually pointed leaves have toothed margins; they are alternately arranged on the branchlets. They are usually bright green, turning yellow in autumn. Birch bark extract is a herbal medicinal product used to treat partial thickness wounds. Birch bark extract is rich in triterpenoids with beneficial biological and pharmacological activities. Some of the compounds identified in it include betulin, lupeol, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, and erythrodiol.